Active Cruise Control on the BMW i4 works like most similar models on vehicles today.
It controls your car’s speed, maintaining it just like a standard cruise control system. However, when approaching other vehicles traveling in the same direction, it’ll slow down as necessary to avoid a collision.
The feature also works in stop/start traffic.
Active Cruise Control is controlled by windshield cameras and a radar sensor in the front bumper. Keep your car clean to give these the best chances of working correctly.
The BMW i4 Active Cruise Control will not steer for you (although Lane Assist can also be activated in most cars) or apply the brakes fast enough in an emergency. It’s also susceptible to being cut up (aggressive lane changes ahead) and won’t work in sharp corners and bends.
On top of all this, it can only be used on well-maintained, clearly-defined multi-lane highways. It’s not for country roads.
Consult your owner’s manual for more detailed information about the system’s limitations. See a note on this below.
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Safety warning for BMW i4 Active Cruise Control
It must be stressed enough how important it is to read your owner’s manual.
Features such as the BMW i4 Active Cruise Control aren’t self-driving tools. You must always stay aware and be ready to take back control of the car at a moment’s notice.
This blog isn’t supposed to supplement the owner’s manual. It should be read alongside and used for clarity.
In your BMW i4 owner’s manual, you’ll find a detailed list of system limitations, dangers, and warnings. Don’t operate Active Cruise Control until you’ve read through this!
If you feel Active Cruise Control is too risky to use, don’t turn it on. It’s as simple as that.
How to turn Active Cruise Control on
Follow these simple instructions to turn Active Cruise Control on in the BMW i4.
- Press the assisted drive button.
- This can be found on your steering wheel.
- It’s between SET and MODE.
Depending on your model and specification, this button might also activate Steering and Lane Assist.
- Use the MODE button for cycling between Steering and Lane Assist being active or not.
- The active function is shown in green on the instrument cluster.
Active Cruise Control should activate, storing the speed you were traveling at that moment. You’ll see a confirmation message pop up in the instrument cluster.
How to adjust the set speed of the i4 Active Cruise Control
With the Active Cruise Control active, follow these instructions:
- Push the rocker switch up lightly to increase in increments of 1 mph or 1 km/h.
- Push the rocker switch up all the way to increase the set speed by 5 mph or 10 km/h.
- Push the rocker switch down lightly to decrease the set speed in increments of 1 mph or 1 km/h.
- Push the rocker switch down as far as possible to lower it in 5 mph or 10 km/h increments.
Changing the set distance for the i4 Active Cruise Control
Follow these steps to change the set distance to the car ahead:
- Tap the + button to increase the distance (make the car ahead further away).
- This button is to the right of the rocker switch.
- Tap the – button to decrease the set distance (drive nearer to vehicles in front).
- This button is to the left of the rocker switch.
How to deactivate BMW i4 Active Cruise Control
Deactivating the i4’s Active Cruise Control is another straightforward task. Follow the instructions below:
- Press the assisted drive button.
- The assisted drive button is on the steering wheel, between SET and MODE.
An instrument cluster confirmation message will inform you that the Active Cruise Control is now off. The stored speed will be deleted.
Can you interrupt the BMW i4 Active Cruise Control?
Yes.
- Depress the brake pedal to override the system; or
- Press the CANCEL/RES CANCEL (depending on your specification) button on the steering wheel.
It’s best to deactivate it entirely if necessary. Press the button to do this, as mentioned in the section above.
As mentioned, you don’t need to use Active Cruise Control if in doubt. It’s an exciting feature but doesn’t replace the basic control every driver needs.
Before operating Active Cruise Control, read your owner’s manual! You’ll find a PDF copy below.
